Welcome to Sandhána
Sandhána is sanskrit for uniting, an act of joining together, unioning. Holding this vision for all that come into this space it has been lovingly renovated, with meticulous attention to detail, into a retreat sanctuary for healing, restoration and changes in your life to take place.
This island retreat space has been curated with consideration gone into every feature from the comfort of the beds, as we know how important sleep is, to the materials used for the yoga deck which are non toxic and sustainably sourced.
Donna’s Background
Working in accounting, finance, funds management and capital transactions roles for over 20 years Donna understands how sitting at a desk for hours staring at multiple screens, with demanding deadlines can take its toll not just on the body, but also the mind. Stress, anxiety and overwhelm are all things she’s faced and navigated her way through with yoga, meditation, pranayama and regular sauna sessions. When she first found yoga many years ago she was simply seeking to become more flexible, but the practice changed her in ways she didn’t expect. It opened her mind and shifted the way she viewed the world and helped her to come home to herself. As she started changing so did the world around her and when life has presented some of its greatest challenges it is yoga and her spiritual and self care practices that has maintained her equilibrium and guided her through.
Hearing the call, she went on to do her first teaching training at The Byron Yoga Centre in 2015. Forever a student, understanding that there is always more to learn and embody, she has completed subsequent trainings with Nikki Ralston, Rod Stryker, Rochelle Scheick, Truth Robinson, and Ashram Yoga since then. Donna is qualified to teach hatha, vinyasa, qoya, yin and yoga nidra. Witnessing something shift in a student or that look of pure bliss light up their face is one her greatest joys. Donna understands the courage it takes to step out of our comfort zone and try something new, but often the greatest gifts are awaiting us when we do. She invites you to step in to your courage and join her at Sándhana and open yourself to the infinite possibilities that await you.
Meet Kimbra & Nikita
Kia Ora we are the beloved resident cats at Sandhána. Although we hail from Australia, Mum rescued us when she lived in Sydney, and are well travelled cats, having explored NSW and the North and South Islands extensively, we have to say this Waiheke sanctuary is our favourite. We are middle aged now, having both been born in 2014, so we don’t tend to race around in circles chasing each others tails like we used too. However, when we encounter catnip our inner kitten can still get activated and we do get a bit excited.
“Although I venture outside sometimes to help Mum garden or soak up the warmth of the sun, I do tend to spend a lot of time asleep indoors, following the sun and my favourite people, around the house. I am a friendly, gentle cat that loves being around people, especially when they are meditating, but from a safe distance. ”
“I am a typical ‘naughty torti’ with a healthy dose of catitude. I love being out in nature more than anything. I can’t wait for my cat door to unlock at sunrise so I can go out exploring once more. I can be quite shy when I first meet you but am the sweetest, cuddliest little lap cat once I get to know you.”
